fandomsecrets | [ SECRET POST #2449 ]

[ SECRET POST #2449 ]

⌈ Secret Post #2449 ⌋

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So I have a problem. I just started work as a Teacher's Aide in a special education class. I am certified to teach, but have not taught as a teacher since I graduated (2 years ago!). So I was hoping to ease into teaching by working as an aide and then moving on to a teacher (because I changed states as well, so there are different teaching standards/ways).

BUT THIS CLASSROOM IS SO AWFUL. Maybe it will get better, this is just my first day. But right now it is just....mind numbing. The children are Learning Disabled and Emotionally Disturbed (but not severely). They have 7 hour long periods. The teacher makes them do a worksheet (or look up definitions) based on whatever subject they are supposed to be in. Then they can get on the computer to play math games.

And that is it. That is all he does. No hands on, no different learning styles, no structured teaching at all. And this isn't the first classroom I have had like that. My student teaching was done in a classroom like that (MY lessons were the only non-worksheet, hands on things they did). And a Sped class I subbed for was like that.

So, is this just the status quo? Should I just ignore all the stuff they taught me in college? And this isn't the same school. My student teaching was done in another state (I moved after college)! I don't even know who I would ask about this? My principal who JUST hired me? "Yeah, I know you have been working with this guy for 10 years but he is pretty awful." It just annoys me that is spend half my time staring at my desk because I have nothing to do.

Tl:Dr. Education system sucks. And I don't know what do as a teacher's assistant.

I'm not in the education field myself, but one of my friends went to school specifically for education for special needs kids. From what I hear from her, that isn't the norm - she puts a lot of effort into the curriculum.

I'm sorry, but I don't know what to do in your situation. Does the teacher have good connections with the principal? Would it be a career-wrecking move to try and introduce new elements into the classroom, or talk to the principal?

It does suck, I'm sorry. I'm on the track to teach as well, and getting a placement like this is always a concern because it's not a good idea to rock the boat. But it's only been one day, like you said, so maybe other things happen as well. (Can you tell I'm an optimist?)

What are your job duties as a TA, as outlined by the job description when you applied for and signed on to the job? Are you there to help the teacher with paperwork, or help teach? What can you do to help your kids?

I am there as support. To work one on one with certain students. Walk with students to and from class. Stuff like that.

...As someone who has worked as a teacher's aide and is currently a substitute that sounds like a pisspoor classroom. :/ How in the world does he pass evaluations?

My advice to you would be to try and ask him if maybe you could do a few lessons with the kids since you're warming up to becoming a fulltime teacher. That way you're getting more practical work in and they're getting a better learning environment.

Edited 2013-09-16 23:09 (UTC)

I'll see about that. I know he is leaving for a week to have surgery. Maybe I can see about teaching then.

That sounds like a good idea. If you have a substitute permit that would probably sweeten the deal. I don't know how the system works where you are but they're very particular where I am.

See if he will let you do or introduce anything (learning styles) to these kids and if that gets stonewalled, then go higher-up? Even if you have to do that, maybe word it with less 'This guy sucks!' and more 'I feel like I'm not doing anything/I want to do something with these kids?'

Not that I'm in education, but I WAS a student in a spec. ed class (mind you this was 20+ years ago). This wasn't my experience thankfully, but this style of 'teaching' wouldn't have helped me or my classmates at all. :(

Just started working as a teacher.

So: don't ignore what they told you in college, but don't start a conflict with your tutor and higher-ups right away. Observe, try to see how your tutor is getting along with his colleagues, what his colleagues do in their own classes.

Maybe you can look up some techniques, behaviours and exercises adapted for special needs students like the ones you have in your classes, so that you'll know what to expect, to some extent, and that you'll be able to adapt your teaching to their capacities and needs. If you can, look up some information about SEGPA classes in France, which are exactly the kind of classes you've described. Maybe you'll find some tips there...

Anyway, good luck!

I'm really sorry to hear this.

In my school, all the kids who were required to take the special Ed class (which was just one period a day and focused on coping skills, organization and stuff like that) loved it, hung out in that classroom after hours, took their personal problems and difficult school assignments to that teacher straight away... in fact lots of us who weren't required to take that class wished we could, because it seemed to help so much with general having-it-togetherness. It sucks to hear that it's not that way everywhere and I hope you're eventually able to make a difference in that classroom.

This is my 4th year teaching in public schools. A couple things: there are shitty teachers everywhere. You are with one of them, but if he gets good enough marks to stay in his job, that means he's either a coach or knows someone. Don't piss him off by rocking the boat. Do your time this year, and apply for teaching jobs next year (or even mid-year - there's a lot of turn over most places around Christmas).

Keep a cool head. This too shall pass.

As a former special ed student, I gotta say this: the quality of the class is all about the teacher. They make it or break it. I had teachers who did exactly this, Do X Work Then You Can Play, plus teachers who treated special Ed like a more relaxed study hall, etc. That's leaving out an abusive asshole who ran his class like his own little fiefdom, and it's also not including a fantastic teacher who took into account all her kids' needs and met every challenge with motherfucking excellence.

tl;dr You are not doomed, TA anon. Work your Jedi magic.

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[ SECRET POST #2449 ]

started new job as a teaching assistant

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Re: started new job as a teaching assistant

Re: started new job as a teaching assistant